Knife Threats & Attacks in San Francisco: How to Stay Safe and Defend Yourself
San Francisco is a city full of energy, culture, and opportunity—but like any urban area, personal safety is something to be aware of. While violent crime has decreased in recent years, knife threats and attacks remain a real concern in street confrontations, robberies, and altercations. Knowing how to recognize danger, avoid escalation, and defend yourself if necessary is critical.
This guide will help you understand knife threats in San Francisco, how to stay safe, and the fundamental principles of real-world knife defense.
Knife Availability and Market Size in the United States
Knives are widely accessible tools, contributing to their prevalence in various incidents. Understanding their market dynamics offers insight into their availability:
Global Market Size: The global knife market was valued at approximately USD 4.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 7.6 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. (market.us)
Outdoor Knives: Specifically, the outdoor knife segment was estimated at USD 2.26 billion in 2023, with expectations to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2024 to 2030. (grandviewresearch.com)
This widespread availability underscores the importance of understanding knife-related crimes and self-defense measures.
Knife-Related Crimes in Major U.S. Cities
Understanding the prevalence of knife-related crimes requires examining overall violent crime rates, as specific data on knife incidents is often limited. Here's a comparison of violent crime rates per 100,000 residents in three major U.S. cities:
San Francisco: In 2024, the city experienced a significant reduction in crime, reaching its lowest levels in two decades. Violent crimes fell by 14%, with murders decreasing to 35—the fewest since 1961. (sfchronicle.com)
Los Angeles: The violent crime rate in Los Angeles is approximately 732 per 100,000 residents, which is 86% higher than the national average. (propertyclub.nyc)
New York City: In the first two months of 2025, New York City reported 93 shooting incidents—the fewest since 1993. Overall, serious crimes declined by 14.5% compared to the same period in the previous year, with murders and robberies decreasing by 32% and 25%, respectively. (nypost.com)
While these statistics encompass all violent crimes, the accessibility of knives suggests a significant portion may involve edged weapons.
Why Knives Are Different from Other Weapons
A knife attack is fast, unpredictable, and extremely dangerous. Unlike a firearm, which relies on distance, a knife is used at close range, making it more difficult to react in time. Key points to remember:
Knives don’t need reloading – Attacks are relentless and unpredictable.
Even a small knife can be lethal – Depth of injury matters more than size.
You may not see it coming – Many attacks start with an ambush, not a visible threat.
There is no perfect defense – The best option is avoiding the situation entirely.
Understanding how knife attacks happen is the first step to staying safe.
How Pekiti Tirsia Kali Complements Krav Maga Knife Defense
At Forge Krav Maga, we don’t just teach how to defend against knives—we also train in weapons-based combat through Pekiti Tirsia Kali (PTK), a Filipino martial art specializing in blade, stick, and empty-hand combat. PTK enhances Krav Maga training by improving weapon awareness, control, and movement.
Key Principles from Pekiti Tirsia Kali That Complement Krav Maga Knife Defenses
✅ Aggressive Counterattacks & Efficiency – PTK and Krav Maga both train to neutralize threats quickly using rapid strikes, control techniques, and decisive counters.
✅ Weapon Awareness & Application – Understanding how knives move makes you better at defending against them. PTK develops reflexive counters, weapon manipulation, and disarms that integrate into Krav Maga’s approach.
✅ Footwork & Angling – PTK triangle stepping and movement drills complement Krav Maga’s off-lining techniques, allowing for better positioning and evasion.
✅ Real-World Adaptability – Both systems emphasize practicality over tradition, training for realistic attacks, multiple opponents, and stress-based scenarios.
By incorporating Pekiti Tirsia Kali into our Krav Maga self-defense training, Forge Krav Maga ensures that students develop a deeper understanding of edged weapons—not just how to defend against them, but how they function in real combat.
Situational Awareness: Avoiding a Knife Attack Before It Happens
Most knife encounters don’t start with the blade in hand. There are warning signs—if you know what to look for.
Recognizing Pre-Attack Indicators:
Grooming movements – Touching the pocket, waistband, or adjusting clothing.
Hidden hand – One hand remains concealed or stiff against the body.
Target scanning – Repeatedly looking at you, nearby escape routes, or their own hand.
Definitive weight shift – Moving into a stance that allows quick motion.
If you see these signs, create distance immediately and be prepared to react.
When to Comply vs. When to Fight
If someone demands your wallet or phone with a knife, comply. Your belongings aren’t worth your life.
If someone is actively attacking or demanding you accompany them…defending yourself may be the only option.
Rule of thumb: If escape is possible, take it. If you’re cornered, you must fight back.
Want to Learn Knife Defense? Train in Krav Maga & Pekiti Tirsia Kali
📍 Forge Krav Maga | 539 Gough St, San Francisco, CA
📅 Classes 7 Days a Week
💥 Looking for the best knife defense training in San Francisco? Forge Krav Maga offers real-world self-defense training that includes Pekiti Tirsia Kali weapons training to improve your awareness, reaction speed, and survival skills. Join us for a class today.
